Day 16 Karumba on the Gulf of carpentaria

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Its been a great day today. Had a great sleep last night and the alarm woke me believe it or not! We were up at 6 to go on a fishing charter. Quick breaky and we wandered to the boat ramp. Paul and Matt from Kerrie D charters met us there and we boarded. It was only us two so a private charter! It was actually a little bit cool, by North Queensland standards, so glad we bought a jumper. Phil told us the water temperature had dropped dramatically from mid 30's to 22 degrees. It was unusual apparently. Still felt beautiful to me! Looked fab too, beautiful azure blue.

We raced out into the gulf for about 15 mins at a pretty fast speed, only to find the depth was still only 1.8 metres! Thought we were deep sea fishing, but no. Salmon is the order of the day here, blue and steel backed apparently. Beautiful eating fish he said.

I dropped my line in and within 5 mins I had one on my line as did Rob. I was lucky to get a blue salmon, but Robs was a catfish. They aren't for eating but are heaps of fun on the line.

Sadly that was the last of the salmon for the day. We had a few more on our lines but they are a bit hard to keep as they don't grab the bait they only nibble quietly. But heaps of catfish! You knew once you had one because they behave in a certain way, pulling straight down. Phil did try lots of his other favourite spots and was getting reports from other fisherman that there was just nothing happening. Not a typical day unfortunately as there is more often than not, fish jumping in the boat. But none the less, we had a great time! We did chase a heap of dugong too. They were massive though they didnt let us get too close!

We were back by lunch time and was staggered at how hot it really was once you were off the water! I had a swim in the pool to cool down and we have since just lounged about reading and keeping cool. So all in all, a good day. Karumba is known as 'The outback by the Sea' and you can see why. Its a very very beautiful place and we only came off the highway the 75 k's extra because Kirby and Waz had been here many years ago. So thanks Kirbs it was a wonderful stop over and a real gem if anyone ever gets up this way. We stayed at Sunset Caravan park (aptly named) and its lovely!

We will have a really big driving day tomorrow because we want to get somewhere that will have a dawn service. So we are aiming for Cloncurry but its a 600 k trip so if we dont make that we will stop at Julia creek, which is 500 k's. So lets see how we go!

Till tomorrow, bye all

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Photos

Karumba from the sea view
Its such a pretty place!

Fishing trip
On our way out on the gulf

tiny frog no2
Turned the outside tap on to wet my hat and this little guy popped out!

Fishing tour
Wow, my blue salmon!

Fishing trip
Only one eating fish, but a lot of fun!

Fishing Trip
The gulf of carpentaria

Sunset caravan park
The beautiful pool!

Sunset caravan park
Robs taking it easy, nice location!

Karumba shop
Ha ha the lady in this shop was seriously cranky! Had to laugh at her bold statement out front!